Voters Support Keeping the $35 Cap on Insulin
By Sabrina Jacobs
The high cost of insulin is a major issue for diabetics who depend on the life-saving medication. On average, insulin costs about $98.70 per vial and people with Type 1 diabetes may use up to three vials each month. The price of insulin in the United States is about 10 times higher than the price in other countries. Across the border in Canada, insulin costs about $12 per vial.
To address the barriers to insulin access in America, Democrats included a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act that would cap insulin at $35 per month for seniors on Medicare. While the provision is a much-needed break for seniors who struggle to afford their healthcare costs, some House Republicans have proposed a repeal.
Data for Progress finds 79 percent of voters across party lines support keeping the $35 per month cap on insulin. This includes 82 percent of Democrats, 79 percent of Independents, and 76 percent of Republicans.
Drug companies have been taking advantage of patients who depend on insulin by raising the cost to catastrophic levels, forcing some patients to ration their insulin each month. While there’s still a long way to go to make insulin affordable for all, the $35 cap is a major step.
Data for Progress also finds 54 percent of voters would be less likely to vote for a candidate who wants to repeal the $35 per month cap on insulin. This includes 64 percent of Democrats, 57 percent of Independents, and 42 percent of Republicans.
The $35 cap on insulin is a major relief to diabetics who qualify, allowing them to save a large amount of money each month. Repealing the provision would once again increase their healthcare costs and send their savings right back to the drug companies. Voters across party lines realize how essential it is for our country's seniors that the $35 per cap stay in place.
Sabrina Jacobs (@bri_jacobs) is a staff writer at Data for Progress.